The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.