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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.