The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.