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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.