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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.