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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.