The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.