This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.