🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.