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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.