This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.