Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.