The Astonishing Golden Spell Drives Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories 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 that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.