🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.