This Remarkable Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.