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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause 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 was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.