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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.