🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.