🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.