This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.