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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.