This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.