🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.