This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.