🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.