🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts 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 statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.