The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.