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

Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.