This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.