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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.