This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.