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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.