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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team'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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.