The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.