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

Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.