This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.