Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Propels The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.