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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.