Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.