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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.