This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.