The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.