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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

“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 entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.