Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.