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

It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.