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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.