Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced 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 capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.