This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.