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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.