This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.