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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.