The Astonishing Scoring Streak Propels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.