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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post 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, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.