🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for 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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.