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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.