🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.