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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“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 was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.