The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.