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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.