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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“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 much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, 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 adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.