🔗 Share this article This Remarkable Golden Spell Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory It was 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles. “When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.” A Touchline Reaction of Elation This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal. Are They Serious Hopefuls? It remains a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated. According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them. The Winning Formula The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils. The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner. “Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.” A Formidable Weapon Can It Last? Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games. Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out. Potential for Growth Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level. Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally. The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund. The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence. Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual. Enjoying the Ride However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team. This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.