🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.