🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.