🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.