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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.