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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second 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 and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.