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

It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.