The Astonishing Golden Spell Fuels The Villans' Surprising Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.