Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.