This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.