🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.