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

Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.