🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa'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 touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.