🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.