Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.