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

A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.