The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.