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It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.