🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“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 decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.