Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.