🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.