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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of 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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.