This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.