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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.