This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.