This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.