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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.