Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.