This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.