🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.