🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.