Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.