The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.