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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.