The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

It was two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.