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A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.