🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.