The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.