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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.