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

Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable 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

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.