🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.