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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“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 decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.