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Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.