Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Propels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.