Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely 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.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.