🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.