Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.