This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.