🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.