This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.