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

Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.