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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.