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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.