Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.