The Astonishing Scoring Streak Drives The Villans' Unlikely Title Charge

A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.