🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.