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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.