Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.