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Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.