🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.