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A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.