This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.