🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.