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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.