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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of 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 must be appreciated.