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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.