The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.