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

Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.