This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.