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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for 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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.