The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.