The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.