🔗 Share this article

A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.