Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.