🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.