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A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.