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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.