This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.