This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.