🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.