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

A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.