🔗 Share this article

A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.