This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.