🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.