This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Title Charge

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.