The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.