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Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.