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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering 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 one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.