This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.