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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.