🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.