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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.