This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Title Charge

It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.