Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.