This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.