The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.