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A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.