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It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.