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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.