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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause 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, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.