This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.