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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.