🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.