🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.