The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.