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

A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.