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

Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.