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

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.