🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason 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, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.