The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.