🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.