This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.