🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.