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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.