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

It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.