The Astonishing Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.