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Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.