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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.