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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of 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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.