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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.