Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.