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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.