This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.