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It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.