This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.