This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.