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A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.