Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.