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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“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 much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.