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It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.