The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

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.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.