The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.