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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.