This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.