The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.