This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End 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 must be appreciated.