🔗 Share this article

Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality 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 might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.