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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.