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Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.