This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.