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Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.