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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.