🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.