Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.