This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.