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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.