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Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.