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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.