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A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.