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A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.