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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.