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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom 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.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

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

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.