🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as 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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.