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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.