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

Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.