Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.