🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team'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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.