This Remarkable Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies 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. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.