This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.