This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.