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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.