The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.