🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

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 might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.