The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.