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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.