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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.