This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to 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, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.