This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.