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A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.