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

A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.