🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.