This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.