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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.