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

Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.