The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.