Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.