🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.