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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.