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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.