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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.