This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.