🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.