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

A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

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

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.