🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.