The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.