🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.