The Astonishing Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.