🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.