The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, 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 finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.