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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.