Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.