🔗 Share this article

A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.