The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.