The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.