🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.