Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.