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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa'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. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.