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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.