🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that 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 prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.