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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“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 far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.