The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.