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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for 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 touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.