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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.