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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.