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

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.