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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign 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.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.