🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side'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 was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.