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A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts 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 matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.