The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.