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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.