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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.