Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.