🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.