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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.