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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.