🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.