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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.