This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set 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 persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.