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

A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.