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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.