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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.