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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts 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 fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.