The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.