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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“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 was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.