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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.