🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.