🔗 Share this article The Astonishing Scoring Streak Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise. “When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.” A Touchline Reaction of Elation In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal. Is This Team Serious Hopefuls? This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated. Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour. The Rogers Recipe The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils. The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins. “Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.” An Unstoppable Force Can It Last? Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures. A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out. A Case for Belief Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level. The main striker could start adding to his goal tally. The winger might become the force he showed during his peak. Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening 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. Relishing the Unlikely However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player. The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.