This Remarkable Golden Spell Propels Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.