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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.