🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, 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 matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.