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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.