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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.