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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“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 far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.