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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.