This Remarkable Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.