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Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.