The Astonishing Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.