🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.