This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.