🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.