Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.