The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.