🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.