🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.