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

It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.