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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy 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 at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.