The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.