Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.