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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.