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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

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

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.