Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.