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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.