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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.