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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.