🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.