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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.