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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.