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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.