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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.