This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying 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 certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.