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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances 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.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.