🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful 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 should be relished.