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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.