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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.