🔗 Share this article

A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.