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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.