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A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle 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.