This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.