This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.