This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.