This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that 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 Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.