The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.