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Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.