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

It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.