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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.