The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.