The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.