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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.