This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.