The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.