🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.