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A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side'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, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.