🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.