The Astonishing Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.