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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.