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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.