🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.