🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team'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, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.