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A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.