🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa'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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.