Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They 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 could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.