Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.