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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.