This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.