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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.