This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading 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. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.