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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.