This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Surprising Push for Glory

Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.