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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.