The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.