Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.