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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.