This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.