This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Improbable Push for Glory

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.