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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side'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 touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.