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A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.