This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.