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A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.