This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.