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

It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.