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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.