🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.