The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.