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A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.