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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended 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.