This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

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

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.