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

It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.