🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.