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A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.