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

It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.