🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.