🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause 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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.