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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.