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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.