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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team'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 sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.