This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.