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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.