🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.