Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.