Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.