This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.