This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.