🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.