🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team'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, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.