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It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.