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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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 registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.