🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.