The Astonishing Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Unlikely Push for Glory

A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.