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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.