The Astonishing Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.