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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.