🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team 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 a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.