The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.