The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.