This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.