This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.