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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.