Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.