Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.