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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side'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 far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.