This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as 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, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.