🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.