This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.