🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.