🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

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. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.