🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.