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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.