🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.