🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.