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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.