This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.