Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have 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 greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.