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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.