This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers 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 uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.