The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.