This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.