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Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.