🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.