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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.