This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.