The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.