The Astonishing Golden Spell Propels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.