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Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.