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Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.