The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.