The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.