🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“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. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.