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Just two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.