🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.