🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.