🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“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 much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.