This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.