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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.