🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.