This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.