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A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.