Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.