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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.