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It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.