The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They 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 most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.