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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.