This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.