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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.