🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.