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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“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 was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.