🔗 Share this article The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge Just two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles. “As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.” A Touchline Reaction of Triumph This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal. Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls? It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated. According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour. The Winning Formula The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United. Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins. “Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.” A Formidable Weapon How Long Can This Continue? Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games. A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out. Potential for Growth Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition. Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally. Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany. The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence. Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual. Savoring the Moment Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player. This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.