🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.