🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but 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, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.