The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.