Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.