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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.