🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.