🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.