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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays 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.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.