This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.