This Remarkable Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.