🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.