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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.