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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.