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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.