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It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.