The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.