Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.