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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.