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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.