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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.