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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team'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 touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.