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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.