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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.