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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.