The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts 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.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.