🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.