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It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.