🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.