🔗 Share this article

A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.