The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.