Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.