The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.