🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.