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It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.