The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.