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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.