The Astonishing Scoring Streak Propels The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.