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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.