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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa'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 sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.