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Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.