🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.