Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives Villa's Improbable Title Charge

A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.