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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source 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, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.