The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.