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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.