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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.