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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.