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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.