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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

His opener came 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 the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.