🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.