The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.