This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, 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 might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.