This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.