🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters 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 uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.