This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial 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 conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.