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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.